Outcome of the referendum in the United Kingdom

Details

28 June 2016

Ian Hudghton (Greens/EFA) ‒ The referendum clearly underlined that the UK is made up of different countries. The result in Scotland, with all local authority areas voting to remain, could not have been more of a contrast with England and Wales. We voted to remain, as an outward looking, open and inclusive country, voted to protect our place in the world's largest single market and our freedom to travel, live, work, study and retire in other EU Member States. Yet now we face being taken out of the EU against our will.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon shows exemplary leadership, declaring her determination to explore every possible avenue to ensure that Scotland can continue to benefit from the single market, and the many other gains that voters in Scotland want to retain with our EU membership. As the First Minister has pledged, the SNP Government will accelerate talks with the EU Institutions about Scotland's place in the EU.

The resolution which we will vote upon shortly was drafted in haste, and is unsatisfactory as a result. This parliament ought to consider more carefully our response to the democratic result of the referendum, with particular attention to the remain majority in Scotland. As democrats, we must help find a way to deliver what Scotland's voters want.